2022 Finca Sophenia Estate Reserva Malbec Tupungato
- One of the First Estates to Believe in Gualtallary
- "This Distinctive Red Is Engagingly Aromatic" ~ 93 Wine Spectator
- Hand-Harvested + Plot-Selected for Maximum Detail
- "A Sample of Gualtallary’s Abundant Fruit" ~ 92 Descorchados
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About the Wine
High in Gualtallary, one of the Uco Valley’s most extreme and exciting terroirs—Finca Sophenia has been crafting character-driven estate wines since 1998.
Long before the region became a hotspot, founder Roberto Luka planted vines on what was then untouched, wild land, betting on its altitude, stony soils, and fierce Andean climate. That gamble paid off.
Here, the winery follows a clear philosophy: quality over volume, identity over trends. The Andes shape the landscape, the vineyard sets the rhythm, and winemaking becomes the bridge between this rugged origin and the people who open each bottle. The name Sophenia itself is a tribute to the family, born from the names Sophia and Eugenia, daughters of the founders.
This 2022 Estate Malbec comes from Gualtallary, Tupungato, grown at 1,200 meters in alluvial, well-drained soils that give the wine its natural concentration and lift. Winemaker Joaquín Martín works plot by plot, harvesting by hand and vinifying each parcel separately to capture different expressions—later blending them for extra depth and complexity.
The approach is precise but grounded: careful pruning, thoughtful irrigation, balanced canopy work, and long, slow macerations (about 25–30 days) to extract texture without heaviness. Fermentation starts with the grapes’ own native yeasts, keeping the wine true to its place.
The result is a Malbec shaped by altitude, stony soils, and intent—vibrant, structured, and unmistakably Gualtallary. Enjoy this vibrant Malbec with grilled ribeye, chimichurri, roasted mushrooms, or anything that loves a little smoke and char.
Tasting Notes
100% Malbec.
Inky, concentrated purple with explosive aromas of blackberry, plum, and a touch of tobacco and coffee.
The palate delivers ripe, layered fruit with soft, round tannins, vibrant acidity, and a sleek, elegant finish that shows real depth and polish.
Critical Reviews
This distinctive red is engagingly aromatic, with tea leaf and spiced berry pastry notes leading to an equally engaging palate, where a trace of river mint runs through the vibrant flavors of fresh cherry and mirabelle plum, while a thread of mineral acidity adds some tension and lengthens the structured finish, echoing back to the core flavors. Drink now through 2038. 15,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported. ~ 93 Wine Spectator
An excellent example of the house's style, this Malbec from 25-year-old vines planted in the Sophenia vineyards in Gualtallary, has a delicious load of fruit. Consistent with the year, which was warm, this is generous in black fruits and sweet flavors in a red that's pure fruit and pure flavor accompanied by juicy acidity and sweet and friendly tannins. A sample of Gualtallary's abundant fruit. ~ 92 Descorchados
Subtle sweet spices, red cherries and sour berries on the nose. Bright and juicy on the palate, with a medium body and fresh, firm tannins. A very vibrant, lively style that encourages drinking. Enjoy now. ~ 91 James Suckling
Red wine made exclusively from Malbec grapes grown in Gualtallary, in the Uco Valley, aged for 10 to 12 months in oak barrels. It shows excellent varietal character, with ripe red and black fruit accompanied by floral, herbal, and spice notes that carry through on the palate. Medium- to full-bodied, with refreshing acidity, firm tannins, and a juicy, persistent finish marked by notes of plum, blackberry, and violet. ~ 91 Revista Adega
~91 Tim Atkin, Master of Wine
~ 91 Vintage pts, Decanter World Wine Awards
Subtle aromas of cherry introduce a juicy palate, with concentrated notes of plum and spices. It's friendly and ripe. ~ 90 Wine Enthusiast
The 2022 Malbec Estate Reserva Sophenia is a vibrant wine from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley and spent 12 months in 10% new oak barrels. A lovely purple hue. The nose presents lush, liqueur-like notes of ripe cherry and plum. Indulgent and taut in the mouth, the reactive tannins and juicy flow precede a pleasant, lingering finish and aftertaste.” ~ 90 Vinous Media
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Food Pairing
Beef
Venison
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Finca Sophenia
Mendoza, Argentina
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